Lulworth Cove, Dorset (with West Lulworth village)

Visit Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is situated on the Dorset coast east of Weymouth, and is one of the most attractive and popular sections of the Jurassic Coast.

The cove is almost perfectly formed, with the large circular cove backed by a thin strip of beach and low cliffs and entered by a gap between the rocks that form the natural harbour. It is one of the great natural spectacles of southern England.

Another impressive natural formation can be seen a little walk to the west along the South-West Coast Path at Durdle Door, where a large natural stone arch has been formed jutting into the sea, while the small cove at Stair Hole (also west) is a 'baby' (in geological terms) version of Lulworth Cove. Together, the coves, cliff scenery and Durdle Door make this a very popular destination with visitors to the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

The small village of West Lulworth is picturesque with its traditional cottages and scenic backdrop (be sure to visit the Castle Inn, a thatched pub that is one of the oldest in England), while Lulworth Castle (a 17th century hunting lodge designed to look like a medieval defensive castle) is another popular local attraction near East Lulworth, a little way to the east.

Several beaches, both sand and pebble, can be visited on this section of the coast including those at Durdle Door, Mupe Bay and Man o' War - the beach at Durdle Door has the stone arch as backdrop and is very picturesque.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Jurassic Coast guide and the Dorset guide.